NHL Scores: Andrew Copp scores four for Jets, Sabres slide hits record, Blues mourn loss of Bob Plager, and more
Anthony Scultore
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Andrew Copp enjoyed a a special night as he scored four times to help the Jets sweep the Canucks. The victory now pulls Winnipeg into a three-way tie for first place in the North Division with Edmonton and Toronto.
NHL Scores: Andrew Copp notches four goals
In one game, Copp nearly doubled his season goal output by scoring four times and bringing his total to 10. It was his very first hat trick in his NHL career and he added some emphasis with an empty net marker as well.
“I’m going to have a hard time remembering my last four-goal game. I don’t know if that’s ever happened before, so it’s a pretty cool experience,” Copp said. “Obviously, the power play was working and then getting those two at the end were the cherries on top.”
NHL.com
For Winnipeg, the best news seems to be Connor Hellebuyck showing his old Vezina form with a solid 38 save performance. He’s now won 3 out of his last four games to improve his record to 15-9-2 and has allowed only one goal in his last two starts.
Meanwhile the Flames lost to the Senators again. This time they fell 3-1 with Ottawa scoring all their goals in the third period to overcome a 1-0 deficit. Calgary continues to slip having lost three in a row and remain four points behind Montreal who now have three games in hand.
“It’s tough right now,” said Giordano, the Calgary captain. “Both games feel similar, where we didn’t have the ability to lock it down when we needed to in the final minutes. It’s tough. It’s really tough. This was a big trip for us and a couple tough losses. The bottom line is myself and the other leaders, we’ve got to make plays under pressure. That’s the difference.”
NHL.com
NHL Scores: Sabres skid now at 15 straight losses
We have a new record! The Buffalo Sabres in the post shootout era have recorded their 15th straight loss (0-13-2) after being defeated by the Penguins 5-2. Sidney Crosby led the Pittsburgh offense with a goal and an assist as Buffalo is struggling to find answers during this winless streak. Interim coach Don Granato said it best, “I guess anybody’s confidence would be affected with the scenario.”
All that remains is for the Sabres sell off to begin.
Two games were played in the West with the Sharks topping the Kings 4-2 with Evander Kane scoring twice (13,14). The loss hurts L.A.’s playoff chances as it’s their second loss in a row and they remain 5 points behind the Blues. And the Wild beat the Ducks 3-2 on the strength of two Jared Spurgeon tallies. Minnesota remains in third with a firm grasp on the playoffs.
NHL News: Bob Plager passes away at 78
The hockey world mourns the loss of longtime Blue Bobby Plager who passed away in a car crash yesterday. A statement on the Blues website reads:
Bobby liked to say he was No. 5 in our program, but No. 1 in our hearts. Today, our hearts are broken, but one day they will be warmed again by memories of his character, humor and strong love for his family, our community, the St. Louis Blues and generations of fans who will miss him dearly.